Following is a list of commonly asked questions and their answers. These answers apply for almost all scholarships. A few donors have established different rules. If you do not find the information you need here, please contact the Scholarship Office by phone at (714) 432-5645 or e-mail scholarshipoffice@occ.cccd.edu

TJ Nguyen, Scholarship Program Coordinator

When will I receive my money?

You must complete a few steps to receive the scholarship funds that you have been awarded. The requirements are set up by donors and the Scholarship Committee. A check will be disbursed and mail to your address once you have follow the instructions.

Maintain your grades through the end of the spring semester. You
must complete at least 6.0 units with a 3.0 GPA in the spring semester.

Mail a thank you letter to your donor(s). Make
a copy of the thank you letter and send the copy to the Scholarship Office.Thank
you can be a greeting card, or a personal letter, typed or handwritten - you
decide.

Enroll in at least six units for the fall semester at OCC or
your transfer college.

My circumstances have changed or I don't meet the above requirements. What should I do?Scholarships are giving based on students' academic excellence; however there are circumstances that prevent students from meeting the above requirements. If you're worried that your circumstances could prevent you from collecting your scholarship, please send an email to scholarshipoffice@occ.cccd.edu or write a letter to the Scholarship Office and explain briefly your circumstances. The Scholarship Office will review your circumstances and will get back to you. We do have students best interest at heart so please be cordial and honest in your explanation.

Are there any other resources for financial assistance for continuing my education?You can visit the OCC Financial Aid website. The "Outside Scholarship Opportunities" page listed scholarship opportunities from the outside organizations. Once you find a scholarship that is applicable to you, you may apply directly with the organization. Most of them listed their contact numbers or website for you to apply.

What is my donor's name and address? All current OCC students who are awarded scholarships through the OCC Scholarship Office receive a letter in June. The letter will give you the information you need.

If you are a high school student who has been awarded an OCC Scholarship at your high school's Senior Awards Program, you should receive the letter by the end of June.

I don't think I'm receiving mail from the Scholarship Office. If you have moved since turning your scholarship application in, we may not have your current address. Even if you updated your address on your MyOCC, we will not have the update unless you reported it to the Scholarship Office as well. Call or e-mail the Scholarship Office with your new address and/or phone number if applicable.

Do I have to pay taxes on my scholarship?According to tax laws in effect as of March 1997, scholarship funds are not taxable if they are used for tuition and fees required for you to attend college or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment that you need for your classes.

Scholarship funds that you use for room and board or other purposes are taxable. If you have any questions about this, please consult your tax advisor.

The Scholarship Office is unable to give advice about your taxes or recommend tax advisors.